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My Darlings
No one was supposed to know. I've always been so careful. My Darlings, how did we get here?
Evil lurks behind the perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways of affluent DC–but not for long.
Stay-at-home mom Eloise Williams is PTO president and a respected local philanthropist who sits on the boards of many distinguished charities. In addition to being a doting wife and mother, she is also a serial killer.
But Eloise isn’t the only lady of society playing a part. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises. When the stalker becomes prey, Eloise desperately clings to control.
Money and power can only buy influence and safety for so long. Eventually, the curtains lift, exposing the chilling reality hiding in plain sight.
Evil lurks behind the perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways of affluent DC–but not for long.
Stay-at-home mom Eloise Williams is PTO president and a respected local philanthropist who sits on the boards of many distinguished charities. In addition to being a doting wife and mother, she is also a serial killer.
But Eloise isn’t the only lady of society playing a part. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises. When the stalker becomes prey, Eloise desperately clings to control.
Money and power can only buy influence and safety for so long. Eventually, the curtains lift, exposing the chilling reality hiding in plain sight.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2024
82 people are currently reading
17646 people want to read
About the author
Marie Still
3 books423 followersMarie Still, bestselling thriller and horror author, torments her characters from Tampa Bay. She also writes women's fiction under Kristen Seeley. Her novels include My Darlings (currently in development as a television series with Amazon MGM Studios), Bad Things Happened in This Room, We're All Lying (named by Buzzfeed as one of the most anticipated mystery/thrillers of 2023), and Beverly Bonnefinche is Dead (a Silver Falchion Award finalist).
Off the page Marie can be found attempting to corral her three mostly friendly cats for a cuddle, surviving the affection from her very cuddly 150 lb Rottweiler, or keeping up with her four children.
Kristen Seeley on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Find her on:
Instagram: instagram.com/mariestillwrites
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariestillwrites
Facebook: facebook.com/mariestillwrites
Sign up to receive book updates and extras: https://mariestill.com/newsletter
Off the page Marie can be found attempting to corral her three mostly friendly cats for a cuddle, surviving the affection from her very cuddly 150 lb Rottweiler, or keeping up with her four children.
Kristen Seeley on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Find her on:
Instagram: instagram.com/mariestillwrites
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariestillwrites
Facebook: facebook.com/mariestillwrites
Sign up to receive book updates and extras: https://mariestill.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
December 13, 2024
If you’re looking for a deliciously unhinged psychological thriller, My Darlings was most definitely that with a capital U. From the cold-blooded female serial killer to the unguessable twists and turns, I was quickly pulled into the fast-paced, propulsive plot from the very first word. A perfectly combined mix of compelling and disturbing, I was head over heels as we were gifted with an inside look at Eloise’s cunning, sociopathic mind. Needless to say, I won’t forget it—or her—anytime soon.
Eloise wasn’t the only standout character, however. Told via multiple POVs—all of whom were gloriously morally gray—I was happy to sit back and relax for this downright crazy train ride of dynamite thrills and chills. And while I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Eloise’s “friends,” she was the shining star in this stunning slam dunk. After all, you want to hate her, but you find yourself rooting for her despite every cringe-worthy behavior and despicable belief. To be frank, she was the perfectly crafted villain for this self-described thriller snob.
The only two pieces that I guess could be described as flaws were the slow burn start and somewhat over-the-top climax. Don’t get me wrong, once I suspended all disbelief, I happily held on for dear life as jealousy, revenge, and blood lust took over the pages. Just know that the plot definitely took on a definite slasher vibe. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for one heck of a ride. So much so, in fact, that I’d love to beg Ms. Still for a sequel.
All said and done, with an unguessable storyline and perfectly plotted conclusion, Marie Still undeniably hit it out of the park. If you’re like me and love a book with unlikeable characters, dark themes, and sharp writing, then this book is for you. I mean, even the masterfully included dual timelines were an utter home run. Filling in Eloise’s backstory, it demonstrated how everything came full circle with that final, jaw-dropping page. So go order your copy right now. Once in your hands, I’m sure you’ll end up binge reading these short, addictive chapters late into the night. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Evil lurks behind the perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways of affluent DC–but not for long.
Stay-at-home mom Eloise Williams is PTO president and a respected local philanthropist who sits on the boards of many distinguished charities. In addition to being a doting wife and mother, she is also a serial killer.
But Eloise isn’t the only lady in society playing a part. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises. When stalker becomes prey, Eloise desperately clings to control.
Money and power can only buy influence and safety for so long. Eventually, the curtains lift, exposing the chilling reality hiding in plain sight.
Thank you to Marie Still and Rising Action Publishing Collective for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 8, 2024
Trigger warning: alcohol abuse, infidelity, kidnapping, gun and knife violence, bullying, domestic abuse/violence, hazing, child abuse, drugging without consent, underage drinking, child death
Eloise wasn’t the only standout character, however. Told via multiple POVs—all of whom were gloriously morally gray—I was happy to sit back and relax for this downright crazy train ride of dynamite thrills and chills. And while I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Eloise’s “friends,” she was the shining star in this stunning slam dunk. After all, you want to hate her, but you find yourself rooting for her despite every cringe-worthy behavior and despicable belief. To be frank, she was the perfectly crafted villain for this self-described thriller snob.
The only two pieces that I guess could be described as flaws were the slow burn start and somewhat over-the-top climax. Don’t get me wrong, once I suspended all disbelief, I happily held on for dear life as jealousy, revenge, and blood lust took over the pages. Just know that the plot definitely took on a definite slasher vibe. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for one heck of a ride. So much so, in fact, that I’d love to beg Ms. Still for a sequel.
All said and done, with an unguessable storyline and perfectly plotted conclusion, Marie Still undeniably hit it out of the park. If you’re like me and love a book with unlikeable characters, dark themes, and sharp writing, then this book is for you. I mean, even the masterfully included dual timelines were an utter home run. Filling in Eloise’s backstory, it demonstrated how everything came full circle with that final, jaw-dropping page. So go order your copy right now. Once in your hands, I’m sure you’ll end up binge reading these short, addictive chapters late into the night. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Evil lurks behind the perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways of affluent DC–but not for long.
Stay-at-home mom Eloise Williams is PTO president and a respected local philanthropist who sits on the boards of many distinguished charities. In addition to being a doting wife and mother, she is also a serial killer.
But Eloise isn’t the only lady in society playing a part. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises. When stalker becomes prey, Eloise desperately clings to control.
Money and power can only buy influence and safety for so long. Eventually, the curtains lift, exposing the chilling reality hiding in plain sight.
Thank you to Marie Still and Rising Action Publishing Collective for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 8, 2024
Trigger warning: alcohol abuse, infidelity, kidnapping, gun and knife violence, bullying, domestic abuse/violence, hazing, child abuse, drugging without consent, underage drinking, child death
February 14, 2025
OMG!! 😳🤯Get this book!! Guys… the hype is real!! THIS is my favorite kind of thriller!! This book is CRAZY 😳and I LOVED it!! 5 cray stars!! 😍
Okay listen… this was not even on my radar until my bestie @nikkileethrillseeker started raving about… so then.. it was. 😂…
Eloise is my favorite kind of character. She is a perfectionist.. PTO president… HOA board… rich.. gorgeous… anndddd crazy AF! 😳😂 The best part?? We have the privilege of being inside her head. 😳 Yes.. it is scary..😂… but oh so entertaining!! 🤷♀️I love nothing more than a snarky psychopath.. and well… I am going to say.. our girl Eloise is definitely that! ❤️😏
I absolutely loved this!! Just when I thought I knew how it was going to wrap up… that ENDING! 😧😳😳🤯🤯🤯 That was literally my face. 😂
Needless to say… I can’t wait to read more by @mariestillwrites!!! 🫶 Going to grab her backlist We’re All Lying… yet another great cover btw😏… and can’t wait for Bad Things Happened In This Room out 9/16/25🥳
Okay listen… this was not even on my radar until my bestie @nikkileethrillseeker started raving about… so then.. it was. 😂…
Eloise is my favorite kind of character. She is a perfectionist.. PTO president… HOA board… rich.. gorgeous… anndddd crazy AF! 😳😂 The best part?? We have the privilege of being inside her head. 😳 Yes.. it is scary..😂… but oh so entertaining!! 🤷♀️I love nothing more than a snarky psychopath.. and well… I am going to say.. our girl Eloise is definitely that! ❤️😏
I absolutely loved this!! Just when I thought I knew how it was going to wrap up… that ENDING! 😧😳😳🤯🤯🤯 That was literally my face. 😂
Needless to say… I can’t wait to read more by @mariestillwrites!!! 🫶 Going to grab her backlist We’re All Lying… yet another great cover btw😏… and can’t wait for Bad Things Happened In This Room out 9/16/25🥳
August 11, 2024
I went looking for this book when I heard Tina on Book Talk Etc talk about it on the podcast. Desperate Housewives meets Dexter vibes..how could you not want to pick it up. Serial killer books are some of my favourites, and a female one.. well I had to read it. I binged this in a day, it was so fun, violent and messed up in so many ways.. loved it.
Eloise is a stay at home mother, housewife, and wife, PTA president and friend… oh and a serial killer. Nobody would suspect this upstanding member of the community of the horrific murders she commits. We learn about her past and how she became this monster. When it appears that somebody knows her secrets, things escalate and she will do anything to protect them.
This is one crazy and seriously unhinged woman and ai was there for it all. Read this book.
Publishes on October 8th, thanks so much to Rising Action Publishing for my advanced copy to read.
Eloise is a stay at home mother, housewife, and wife, PTA president and friend… oh and a serial killer. Nobody would suspect this upstanding member of the community of the horrific murders she commits. We learn about her past and how she became this monster. When it appears that somebody knows her secrets, things escalate and she will do anything to protect them.
This is one crazy and seriously unhinged woman and ai was there for it all. Read this book.
Publishes on October 8th, thanks so much to Rising Action Publishing for my advanced copy to read.
March 17, 2025
This claimed to be like Dexter, but I didn’t see any Dexter-style behavior. It was dark—extremely dark. Killing for the sake of killing is quite grim to read, especially with no anteriority. I didn't read the reviews and went into this blind because many people liked it.
The main character is entirely unlikable. She kills simply for the sake of killing. There’s no sense of 'I love to hate' the characters. All the characters are wealthy, spoiled, and one-dimensional. The story has a bit of drama, but it fails to advance the plot. I dislike these characters because they don't dress appropriately or have a good attitude, and I feel a desire to kill.
I was interested in one character, but her arc fell flat in one line, destroying her as a character and making her incongruent.
There were many disturbing topics in this story, so if you are not a fan of disturbing, abruptly grotesque, and graphic details, especially killings, you can skip them and this book.
Sidenote: I liked the cover—it's pretty.
I kept reading because I needed to know the point of it all, but I never really discovered it. The ending was sloppy and rushed.
2/5 stars
The main character is entirely unlikable. She kills simply for the sake of killing. There’s no sense of 'I love to hate' the characters. All the characters are wealthy, spoiled, and one-dimensional. The story has a bit of drama, but it fails to advance the plot. I dislike these characters because they don't dress appropriately or have a good attitude, and I feel a desire to kill.
I was interested in one character, but her arc fell flat in one line, destroying her as a character and making her incongruent.
There were many disturbing topics in this story, so if you are not a fan of disturbing, abruptly grotesque, and graphic details, especially killings, you can skip them and this book.
Sidenote: I liked the cover—it's pretty.
I kept reading because I needed to know the point of it all, but I never really discovered it. The ending was sloppy and rushed.
2/5 stars
December 18, 2024
My Darlings was such a blast to read! I went in with zero expectations, and left having read one of the most entertaining psychological thrillers of 2024, that readers won't want to miss!
Written in multiple perspectives and timelines, the novel centers around Eloise - a picture perfect suburban mom who has one minor flaw - she's a serial killer! This, of course, is a secret she must keep from her friends and fellow moms on the PTA, who all have their own dark secrets. As Eloise continues to hunt her 'Darlings' and the bodies pile up, someone begins to sending her anonymous messages letting her know they are onto her and she's on borrowed time. Eloise has always been very careful about her extracurricular activities, so who could it be? Surely it isn't one of her inner circle? Can she discover who before she's exposed and it's too late?!
I devoured this fast-paced, delightfully twisted book in under 24 hours - it was utterly addictive! The sharp cattiness of the characters kept me hooked, and I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see who would uncover Eloise's secrets and how it would all fall apart. The final chapters were packed with jaw-dropping twists, and I even found myself audibly gasping more than once. For those readers looking for something fun and quick, this is the perfect choice!
Written in multiple perspectives and timelines, the novel centers around Eloise - a picture perfect suburban mom who has one minor flaw - she's a serial killer! This, of course, is a secret she must keep from her friends and fellow moms on the PTA, who all have their own dark secrets. As Eloise continues to hunt her 'Darlings' and the bodies pile up, someone begins to sending her anonymous messages letting her know they are onto her and she's on borrowed time. Eloise has always been very careful about her extracurricular activities, so who could it be? Surely it isn't one of her inner circle? Can she discover who before she's exposed and it's too late?!
I devoured this fast-paced, delightfully twisted book in under 24 hours - it was utterly addictive! The sharp cattiness of the characters kept me hooked, and I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see who would uncover Eloise's secrets and how it would all fall apart. The final chapters were packed with jaw-dropping twists, and I even found myself audibly gasping more than once. For those readers looking for something fun and quick, this is the perfect choice!
September 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
When I think of literary characters that cannot get crazier, I am introduced to Eloise Williams and all the people that surround her in a typical suburban neighbourhood. Frankly, all these chapter narrators made me increasingly uncomfortable and yet I had this compulsion to keep on reading. Now, I feel like I have to cleanse myself with a couple of fluffy books before diving into a thriller again.
I am a mere amateur in the reviewing world but if there is a book in the mom noir genre that needs to be discussed it is My Darlings. Select it for bookclub and nominate it for all the thriller awards. You won't regret your read BUT you will want to cut yourself off from talking to human beings for the rest of your natural life.
Expected Publication 08/10/24
Goodreads Review 17/09/24
#MyDarlings #NetGalley
When I think of literary characters that cannot get crazier, I am introduced to Eloise Williams and all the people that surround her in a typical suburban neighbourhood. Frankly, all these chapter narrators made me increasingly uncomfortable and yet I had this compulsion to keep on reading. Now, I feel like I have to cleanse myself with a couple of fluffy books before diving into a thriller again.
I am a mere amateur in the reviewing world but if there is a book in the mom noir genre that needs to be discussed it is My Darlings. Select it for bookclub and nominate it for all the thriller awards. You won't regret your read BUT you will want to cut yourself off from talking to human beings for the rest of your natural life.
Expected Publication 08/10/24
Goodreads Review 17/09/24
#MyDarlings #NetGalley
March 31, 2025
ɪᴅᴋ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜɪs sᴀʏs ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ’ᴍ ɢʟᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴅɪsᴛɪᴄ ʜᴏᴜsᴇᴡɪғᴇ sᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ɪs ᴀ ʙʀᴜɴᴇᴛᴛᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ɪ ᴀᴍ 🤣🤣🤣 ( ʙʀᴜɴᴇᴛᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪs -ɴᴏᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴅɪsᴛɪᴄ ᴏʀ sᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ʜᴀʜᴀʜᴀʜ) ᴀɴʏᴡᴀʏs - ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs “ʏᴏᴜ” , ʙᴜᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ɪᴛ ʀᴇᴀʟ ʜᴏᴜsᴇᴡɪᴠᴇs ᴏғ ᴅᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ɪs ʙʀɪʟʟɪᴀɴᴛ. ɪ ᴡᴇɪʀᴅʟʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴇʟᴏɪsᴇ’s ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴅᴇsᴘɪᴛᴇ ʜᴏᴡ sᴏᴄɪᴏᴘᴀᴛʜɪᴄ sʜᴇ ɪs. ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ʟɪɴᴇ ʜᴀᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴘᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴅᴏᴡɴ! ɪ ᴀᴍ sʜᴏᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴀʀᴇɴ’ᴛ ᴛᴀʟᴋɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪs ᴏɴᴇ. ɪ sᴀᴡ sᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ ɪᴛ ᴏɴ ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀᴍ sᴏ ɢʟᴀᴅ ɪ ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋᴇᴅ ɪᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ. ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs sᴏ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ! ʜɪɢʜʟʏ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜɪs ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ! ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴅᴏᴍᴇsᴛɪᴄ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀs - ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ.
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August 10, 20253.0 Stars
This another entry of the growing subgenre of thrillers that is centered around a female psychopath. (Not a spoiler, it's in the synopsis). This one felt a bit cliches and shallow, especially with the focus on the life of the ultra rich. At times it was an engrossing pageturner but it didn't think it was particularly well done. The characters felt overly simplified and the plot required a great deal of suspension of disbelief.
This another entry of the growing subgenre of thrillers that is centered around a female psychopath. (Not a spoiler, it's in the synopsis). This one felt a bit cliches and shallow, especially with the focus on the life of the ultra rich. At times it was an engrossing pageturner but it didn't think it was particularly well done. The characters felt overly simplified and the plot required a great deal of suspension of disbelief.
December 17, 2024
4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How did I manage to read two books back to back that each had one of the most despicable, disgusting, revolting characters I’ve ever read? How does this happen? At any rate, I loved it!
My Darlings qualifies as one of the most unhinged psychological thrillers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. This one had it all. Unlikable characters, super dark themes, dual timelines, multiple POVs and short, cliffhanging chapters. Not much more you can ask for in a thriller!
You’ll have to suspend some disbelief for this one, but if you can, you’re in for a real treat of a book filled with jealousy, revenge, and murder! Like slashy killer vibes. The ending was sensational!
I’ve never read this author before, but I have to admit that cover grabbed me. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
How did I manage to read two books back to back that each had one of the most despicable, disgusting, revolting characters I’ve ever read? How does this happen? At any rate, I loved it!
My Darlings qualifies as one of the most unhinged psychological thrillers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. This one had it all. Unlikable characters, super dark themes, dual timelines, multiple POVs and short, cliffhanging chapters. Not much more you can ask for in a thriller!
You’ll have to suspend some disbelief for this one, but if you can, you’re in for a real treat of a book filled with jealousy, revenge, and murder! Like slashy killer vibes. The ending was sensational!
I’ve never read this author before, but I have to admit that cover grabbed me. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
January 23, 2025
Dexter meets Desperate Housewives- perfection
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2LkPuEo/
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January 29, 2025
"Another woman killed. That makes six in the last twelve months; a serial killer is amongst us. How appalling, how alarming. I clutch my pearls and gasp at the TV while hiding my smirk." ~Eloise
"I spend a good deal of time, selecting My Darlings, according to specific criteria: unmarried with no children. This has nothing to do with my possessing a conscience of any sort. There is no bit of heart or some kernel of goodness inside that would prevent me from ripping a mother from her young children's lives. It's nothing like that. It's simply self preservation." ~Eloise
____
Eloise is a stay at home mom and president of the PTO. She lives in an affluent neighborhood and does and says all the right things. That’s because as a serial killer she is skilled in the art of manipulation and hiding her true nature. However, when she becomes the focus of someone from her past, the tables turn!
This is deliciously dark and twisted with brilliant pops of humor that had me chuckling even as I’m horrified. Not for the squeamish there is some difficult content, so check trigger warnings. All the elements I LOVE were included, a serial killer AND an anonymous narrator, multiple POVs, dual timelines, short chapters and completely unhinged characters! A peek inside a deranged serial killer’s mind is always fascinating, but in this case so were the hidden secrets of everyone around her.
To my utter joy, I couldn’t predict what madness would happen next. The one thing I did know was that insanity would ensue. Did this go over the top? Absolutely and I loved every wacky minute of it! After all, when a despicable and VILE serial killer devolves, anything CAN and DOES happen. Not to mention the ratcheting tension and sense of impending doom of several paths on a collision course. Eloise isn’t the only one who is off her rocker or who I loved to hate. . . Marie Still’s writing captivated me from beginning to end as I held on to the crazy train for dear life!
MY DARLINGS is wonderfully dark and disturbing with well crafted and UNHINGED characters who leap off the pages. And that ending? Sheer perfection. Sign me up for a sequel and let’s get this demented train back on the tracks ASAP!
____
Thank you Marie Still & Rising Action Publishing Collective for the gifted copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: self harm, stalking, language, drug use, hazing, sextortion, violence, gun violence, knife violence, domestic abuse, gore, child death, murder, Mention of: bullying, sexual situations, suicide, torture
"I spend a good deal of time, selecting My Darlings, according to specific criteria: unmarried with no children. This has nothing to do with my possessing a conscience of any sort. There is no bit of heart or some kernel of goodness inside that would prevent me from ripping a mother from her young children's lives. It's nothing like that. It's simply self preservation." ~Eloise
____
Eloise is a stay at home mom and president of the PTO. She lives in an affluent neighborhood and does and says all the right things. That’s because as a serial killer she is skilled in the art of manipulation and hiding her true nature. However, when she becomes the focus of someone from her past, the tables turn!
This is deliciously dark and twisted with brilliant pops of humor that had me chuckling even as I’m horrified. Not for the squeamish there is some difficult content, so check trigger warnings. All the elements I LOVE were included, a serial killer AND an anonymous narrator, multiple POVs, dual timelines, short chapters and completely unhinged characters! A peek inside a deranged serial killer’s mind is always fascinating, but in this case so were the hidden secrets of everyone around her.
To my utter joy, I couldn’t predict what madness would happen next. The one thing I did know was that insanity would ensue. Did this go over the top? Absolutely and I loved every wacky minute of it! After all, when a despicable and VILE serial killer devolves, anything CAN and DOES happen. Not to mention the ratcheting tension and sense of impending doom of several paths on a collision course. Eloise isn’t the only one who is off her rocker or who I loved to hate. . . Marie Still’s writing captivated me from beginning to end as I held on to the crazy train for dear life!
MY DARLINGS is wonderfully dark and disturbing with well crafted and UNHINGED characters who leap off the pages. And that ending? Sheer perfection. Sign me up for a sequel and let’s get this demented train back on the tracks ASAP!
____
Thank you Marie Still & Rising Action Publishing Collective for the gifted copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: self harm, stalking, language, drug use, hazing, sextortion, violence, gun violence, knife violence, domestic abuse, gore, child death, murder, Mention of: bullying, sexual situations, suicide, torture
September 8, 2024
MY DARLINGS
BY: MARIE STILL
About 2.5 Stars for the ending!
I have been putting off writing this review about this thriller by a brand new to me author, Marie Still, called, My Darlings. I had to force myself to read this from an uncomfortable place as things got more uncomfortable especially towards the second half of this. I did like the fast paced, razor sharp tight sentences written with descriptive imagery for the first half. The second half got quite uncomfortable since when I requested this I missed the warnings which I wasn't prepared for the sadistic and misogynistic content. I was expecting what I read in the synopsis to be themed as the ABC series Desperate Housewives crossed with the HBO series Dexter. I haven't watched anything from either series for years and to my recollection they were relatively tame compared to the second half of this which just turned into to be suffering from "the kitchen sink syndrome," with sadistic and graphic content that borders on horror in my humble opinion. I have been known to enjoy a good thriller every now and then, but never have I gravitated towards being able to tolerate reading or watching anything containing graphic, and sadistic behavior done in any shape or fashion. I requested this a while ago, so I'm stuck with getting through whatever I have been approved for, which I will be again forced to endure forcing myself to finish something that is extremely uncomfortable. That's the arrangement with Net Galley is that in order to write a review that is fair and honest to the author, there's really no escaping something by not gauging the entire book. I had been keeping my requests to a minimum, but went against my better judgement, and ended up not being ultra careful. After finishing the ones that I don't remember what they're about, I definitely won't be reading anything like this again.
This is about a forty something affluent woman who is a serial killer. Her name is Eloise William's who obviously I don't need to explain why she is an abhorrent sociopath. She lives in a wealthy upscale area of Washington D.C. who on the surface she is a philanthropist who plans fund raising events contributing to those who are less fortunate. She's the PTO President at her teen daughter's school. She has a circle of friends who she lets you know that they are more or less subservient to her. She tells you in the beginning that she is married to her husband for monetary reasons, and he's unattractive. His name is Robert who he's a Corporate attorney that deals in Mergers and Acquisitions, so he wouldn't be much help should she need his expertise as an attorney.
I think that the problem is that there is just one of Eloise's friends that came across as likable out of the entire novel. Her name is Poppy and she got the least attention or focus. The other two are back stabbing women with one friend named Beatrix who is sleeping with their friend Suzanne's husband who is the worst kind of physically abusive cruel type of husband that calls Suzanne a fat pig and whips her with lashes to her back if she isn't at his beckon call for every whim. He throws her to the floor knocking out her teeth. Yet, he tells her that he will kill her if she leaves him. Eloise's daughter get's bullied at school and seems terrified of her mother. See what I mean? These are just some examples of what I abhor reading about. The fault lies with me since there is a warning about several types of gratuitous violence that I missed when requesting. It took the focus off Eloise's serial killing and these are what I mean by "the kitchen sink syndrome."
If you are not bothered by these nonsensical meanderings from the main idea, then this is your book. I think that I definitely like suspenseful driven narratives, but I don't like this type of twisted cruel behavior and I am an outlier opinion. I have respect for the other reviewers who have every right to their opinion who loved this. I just wish that I had seen the trigger warnings at the bottom of the synopsis. So, I take responsibility for my very tortured reading experience with this. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but I won't be reading this author again.
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Marie Still and Rising Action Publishing for providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#MyDarlings #MarieStill #RisingActionPublishing #NetGalley
BY: MARIE STILL
About 2.5 Stars for the ending!
I have been putting off writing this review about this thriller by a brand new to me author, Marie Still, called, My Darlings. I had to force myself to read this from an uncomfortable place as things got more uncomfortable especially towards the second half of this. I did like the fast paced, razor sharp tight sentences written with descriptive imagery for the first half. The second half got quite uncomfortable since when I requested this I missed the warnings which I wasn't prepared for the sadistic and misogynistic content. I was expecting what I read in the synopsis to be themed as the ABC series Desperate Housewives crossed with the HBO series Dexter. I haven't watched anything from either series for years and to my recollection they were relatively tame compared to the second half of this which just turned into to be suffering from "the kitchen sink syndrome," with sadistic and graphic content that borders on horror in my humble opinion. I have been known to enjoy a good thriller every now and then, but never have I gravitated towards being able to tolerate reading or watching anything containing graphic, and sadistic behavior done in any shape or fashion. I requested this a while ago, so I'm stuck with getting through whatever I have been approved for, which I will be again forced to endure forcing myself to finish something that is extremely uncomfortable. That's the arrangement with Net Galley is that in order to write a review that is fair and honest to the author, there's really no escaping something by not gauging the entire book. I had been keeping my requests to a minimum, but went against my better judgement, and ended up not being ultra careful. After finishing the ones that I don't remember what they're about, I definitely won't be reading anything like this again.
This is about a forty something affluent woman who is a serial killer. Her name is Eloise William's who obviously I don't need to explain why she is an abhorrent sociopath. She lives in a wealthy upscale area of Washington D.C. who on the surface she is a philanthropist who plans fund raising events contributing to those who are less fortunate. She's the PTO President at her teen daughter's school. She has a circle of friends who she lets you know that they are more or less subservient to her. She tells you in the beginning that she is married to her husband for monetary reasons, and he's unattractive. His name is Robert who he's a Corporate attorney that deals in Mergers and Acquisitions, so he wouldn't be much help should she need his expertise as an attorney.
I think that the problem is that there is just one of Eloise's friends that came across as likable out of the entire novel. Her name is Poppy and she got the least attention or focus. The other two are back stabbing women with one friend named Beatrix who is sleeping with their friend Suzanne's husband who is the worst kind of physically abusive cruel type of husband that calls Suzanne a fat pig and whips her with lashes to her back if she isn't at his beckon call for every whim. He throws her to the floor knocking out her teeth. Yet, he tells her that he will kill her if she leaves him. Eloise's daughter get's bullied at school and seems terrified of her mother. See what I mean? These are just some examples of what I abhor reading about. The fault lies with me since there is a warning about several types of gratuitous violence that I missed when requesting. It took the focus off Eloise's serial killing and these are what I mean by "the kitchen sink syndrome."
If you are not bothered by these nonsensical meanderings from the main idea, then this is your book. I think that I definitely like suspenseful driven narratives, but I don't like this type of twisted cruel behavior and I am an outlier opinion. I have respect for the other reviewers who have every right to their opinion who loved this. I just wish that I had seen the trigger warnings at the bottom of the synopsis. So, I take responsibility for my very tortured reading experience with this. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but I won't be reading this author again.
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, Marie Still and Rising Action Publishing for providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#MyDarlings #MarieStill #RisingActionPublishing #NetGalley
July 20, 2022
One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. To be honest I started out thinking “oh they cray” and was just thinking another psychopath store. Nahhhhh this book will make you look over your shoulder because no where is safe and no one can be trusted. An. Absolute. Perfect. Book.
November 14, 2024
This book was such a good time. If you love books with wealthy and terrible people and also love books with serial killers and murder, this is the PERFECT book for you!
There aren't a ton of books with a female serial killer as the protagonist and it worked so well here. Eloise was such a complicated character and I loved her inner monologues and seeing her perfect facade slowly unravel. The use of multiple narrators was done really well and kept the story really fresh.
I listened to this novel on audio and it was a great choice. The actor for Eloise was fantastic - so well acted and thoughtful with her approach to the character. I also really appreciated that each narrator had a different actor. That always makes a positive impact for me.
This book had it all - PTA drama, mama drama, rich women with too much time on their hands, so much pettiness, affairs, and lots of death! It was a perfect combination, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks so much to the Pulse for putting this one on my radar. You don't want to miss it!
There aren't a ton of books with a female serial killer as the protagonist and it worked so well here. Eloise was such a complicated character and I loved her inner monologues and seeing her perfect facade slowly unravel. The use of multiple narrators was done really well and kept the story really fresh.
I listened to this novel on audio and it was a great choice. The actor for Eloise was fantastic - so well acted and thoughtful with her approach to the character. I also really appreciated that each narrator had a different actor. That always makes a positive impact for me.
This book had it all - PTA drama, mama drama, rich women with too much time on their hands, so much pettiness, affairs, and lots of death! It was a perfect combination, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks so much to the Pulse for putting this one on my radar. You don't want to miss it!
November 21, 2024
Wow! What did I just read?!?!? This book was full of twists, turns, and unexpected events. Eloise puts on a mask of perfection that covers her true self underneath it and that true self is scary and horrific. It made me wonder if anyone was safe from Eloise. The chapters are told from multiple points of view and go between the present and the past. I liked this style of narrative, it allowed me to see what was happening from multiple characters' perspectives, it held my attention, and it slowly revealed what shaped Eloise. From the very first page I was hooked and my attention was held to the very last unexpected twist. This is the first book I have read by Marie Still but it will not be my last! I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy twisty thrillers.
December 1, 2024
The buzz is REAL with this one ya’ll! I devoured this book, every juicy detail!
PTA President, stay at home mom, philanthropist……serial killer? If that doesn’t intrigue you, what the heck is wrong with you?😂😂 When the serial killer becomes the prey, the plot really gets nuts! Desperate Housewives meets Dexter… need I say more?!
This is a book you could read in one sitting and will want to tell your friends about! I was fascinated learning about Eloise, our serial killer’s past, and what made her the way she is. Wealthy, terrible people, violent murders, serial killer being stalked…..what are you waiting for?! RUN!
4.5
PTA President, stay at home mom, philanthropist……serial killer? If that doesn’t intrigue you, what the heck is wrong with you?😂😂 When the serial killer becomes the prey, the plot really gets nuts! Desperate Housewives meets Dexter… need I say more?!
This is a book you could read in one sitting and will want to tell your friends about! I was fascinated learning about Eloise, our serial killer’s past, and what made her the way she is. Wealthy, terrible people, violent murders, serial killer being stalked…..what are you waiting for?! RUN!
4.5
August 1, 2024
“My darlings” caught my eye with the gorgeous book cover giving moody autumn vibes. This is a dark twisty indie debut featuring a sadistic housewife in suburbian hell.
This is a fast paced read you can definitely finish in one sitting if you so desire.
The plot follows a sociopathic serial killer disguised as an everyday unassuming housewife. Eloise is completely devoid of emotion, empathy or any feelings required to be a human being. This eery component to her character gives you the sense of the unexpected, anything can happen at any time.
Thank you to rising action publishing, Marie still and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: October 8th 2024
This is a fast paced read you can definitely finish in one sitting if you so desire.
The plot follows a sociopathic serial killer disguised as an everyday unassuming housewife. Eloise is completely devoid of emotion, empathy or any feelings required to be a human being. This eery component to her character gives you the sense of the unexpected, anything can happen at any time.
Thank you to rising action publishing, Marie still and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: October 8th 2024
June 5, 2025
A juicy little suburban thriller where rich people misbehave, secrets unravel, and murder lurks behind manicured lawns. It’s giving My Lovely Wife lite—fast-paced, messy, and perfect for when your brain wants a break but still craves drama. Plot holes? Yes. Flawless ending? Not quite. But as a guilty pleasure popcorn read? It does the job.
It's a 3/5 🌟 read for me – Not groundbreaking, but absolutely bingeable in a reading slump!
Disclaimer : some content and topics in the plotline are gruesome, so watch out .
It's a 3/5 🌟 read for me – Not groundbreaking, but absolutely bingeable in a reading slump!
Disclaimer : some content and topics in the plotline are gruesome, so watch out .
February 13, 2025
Completely unhinged. I truly enjoyed this roller coaster.
November 10, 2024
a dark gripping first chapter
and a confessed serial killer's
p.o.v. would be enough for me
to love this one - but soon even
darker themes were at play. ♡
and a confessed serial killer's
p.o.v. would be enough for me
to love this one - but soon even
darker themes were at play. ♡
April 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
The premise of this book being compared to Dexter and Desperate Housewives was very interesting to me. It was the cover that made me request it. I love a good suburban domestic thriller.. Unfortunately, this book was more Dexter and less Desperate Housewives in my opinion. I would almost consider this book to be borderline horror as some parts were more graphic than I was expecting for a thriller (I have read other books about murder that have been less graphic). If I had known that, I wouldn't have requested this book. I might pick up another book by Marie Still. in the future.
Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 rounded up
********
If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:
https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)
If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
The premise of this book being compared to Dexter and Desperate Housewives was very interesting to me. It was the cover that made me request it. I love a good suburban domestic thriller.. Unfortunately, this book was more Dexter and less Desperate Housewives in my opinion. I would almost consider this book to be borderline horror as some parts were more graphic than I was expecting for a thriller (I have read other books about murder that have been less graphic). If I had known that, I wouldn't have requested this book. I might pick up another book by Marie Still. in the future.
Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 rounded up
********
If you are interested in seeing more of my reviews and other content feel free to connect with me here <3:
https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules (links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, My blog and Substack newsletter, etc)
If you are a publisher or author who has questions about my reviews (as well as questions about my stats, reach or engagement), please free to email me. I am also open to requests for book reviews from authors or publishers. Thank you again for taking time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
November 21, 2024
This book has earned a solid spot on my top reads of 2024! Eloise was such a unique character and I loved getting to see how she became who she ended up being. I love a good multiple POV story and this one delivered, and I was NOT expecting that dramatic ending! What a dark and twisted book 💀
December 5, 2024
2.5. It was a quick and easy read, it promises desperate housewives and Dexter vibes and while it does have that somewhat it also lacked a lot of development or purpose. This is a popcorn thriller, the characters fell flat and there’s a lot of death for the sake of it. It was fine but nothing all that special.
October 15, 2024
Hehehehe what a deviously delicious little book this it! I loved every second of it. ((Full review coming soon))!
New fav author of mine! ♥️👀 Allll the fking stars.
New fav author of mine! ♥️👀 Allll the fking stars.
October 20, 2024
4.5
I loved this book! I do think it’s a mistake to compare it to Dexter though - so push that out of your mind prior to reading it.
It’’s about a rich, white woman serial killer in suburbia 👀
I loved this book! I do think it’s a mistake to compare it to Dexter though - so push that out of your mind prior to reading it.
It’’s about a rich, white woman serial killer in suburbia 👀
July 15, 2024
This is my first book by this author and I downloaded her other audiobook as soon as I finished. I loved this one.
Eloise is a stay at home mom. She is president of PTO, doting wife and also a serial killer. She is cold hearted and unhinged. Soon you discover that her circle of friends is conniving, back stabbing and honestly a bit cruel. I devoured this book. It was fast paced and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens. If you love Dexter and Desperate Housewives you will love this.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book!
Eloise is a stay at home mom. She is president of PTO, doting wife and also a serial killer. She is cold hearted and unhinged. Soon you discover that her circle of friends is conniving, back stabbing and honestly a bit cruel. I devoured this book. It was fast paced and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens. If you love Dexter and Desperate Housewives you will love this.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book!
June 7, 2025
3.75⭐️ I love an unhinged woman and the storyline was good, but rich people drama makes me lose interest. I just don’t care as much. I don’t know why. The last 20% was fantastic!
March 2, 2025
This one was fun! It’s described as Desperate Housewives meets Dexter and I definitely agree!
Meet Eloise - doting wife and mother, and serial Killer! She was crazy which made this book crazily entertaining! Eloise thinks she is hiding in plain sight, that she can keep killing and no one will ever suspect her, but unbeknownst to her, someone knows exactly what she is doing!
I enjoyed the “serial killer storyline” much more than the drama going on in all of the other suburban wives lives, and loved how we got chapters that revealed more about Eloise’s past! Overall this book was a pleasant surprise!
Meet Eloise - doting wife and mother, and serial Killer! She was crazy which made this book crazily entertaining! Eloise thinks she is hiding in plain sight, that she can keep killing and no one will ever suspect her, but unbeknownst to her, someone knows exactly what she is doing!
I enjoyed the “serial killer storyline” much more than the drama going on in all of the other suburban wives lives, and loved how we got chapters that revealed more about Eloise’s past! Overall this book was a pleasant surprise!
January 26, 2025
This started with potential
Then it lost that potential
Then it went WAY off the rails into the realm of stupid - so far fetched it was laughable
Then it ended and that ending was NOT. IT.
Also the narration for the main FMC (did this immersively) read like Tyra Banks doling out her judgment at the end of every Top Model episode. Think “but only one of you can be in the running to become americas - next- top- model”. You know, pauses and whispers.
Then it lost that potential
Then it went WAY off the rails into the realm of stupid - so far fetched it was laughable
Then it ended and that ending was NOT. IT.
Also the narration for the main FMC (did this immersively) read like Tyra Banks doling out her judgment at the end of every Top Model episode. Think “but only one of you can be in the running to become americas - next- top- model”. You know, pauses and whispers.
December 23, 2024
Fast paced & interesting! I love suburban mess in my thrillers and these women had a lot of it. It gave off Desperate Housewives vibes which I loved but my one gripe is there were quite a few nonsensical murders that just felt thrown in there for the hell of it. The unknown POV seemed obvious but I liked that it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story!
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